San Juan dolphin new build questions

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shannon

0
Mar 30, 2009
29
nashville, tn
Hi folks,
I’m planning a San Juan pools 14x33 11500 gallon dolphin pool and could use suggestions from all you experts. I actually built a liner in ground pool, with a little help from some friends, about 15 years ago but I think there have been some advancements in tech and methods. I will be using a contractor this time. I found the last one to be rather labor intensive and I’m too lazy now. My last pool was similar in size and shape. I used an aqua genie and must say I was thoroughly impressed with its ability to clean. Here is my plan so far:
Suction side:
1 one skimmer with 30’ of 2” pvc. Should I add a second? It would add another 45’ of pipe.
Pressure side:
2 jets in each side of pools steps
Side 1: 40’ of 2” pvc
Side 2: 75’ of 2” pvc
In addition there will be 6 4x10 solar panels mounted with a max height of about 14’ right beside the pump. So add another 50’ of 2”
Pump, filtration and control:
Hayward aqua plus controller
Hayward vs pump. What would an appropriate size be? 1.5hp?
I can’t decide between cartridge or sand filter but I know I want to upgrade sizing to lower restrictions. Either a 200 sqft cartridge or31” sand filter.
Lighting: I used a Hayward color logic last time. Any suggestions?
Based on the lengths of the returns I think one set of jets will flow harder than the other and that’s ok as that is where we would be sitting the most.
So, if you were going to build this pool what modifications would you make?
Thanks,
Shannon
 
You dont need 2" for pressure side 1.5" is plenty with eyeballs. Always a good idea to have 2 points of suction, with a small pool you would have to always worry about water level in skimmer. Wall mounted main drains are good for fiberglass pools. Seperate lines back to the pad. I'd add another return or two, I do four minimum regardless of size of pool
 
jimmythegreek said:
You dont need 2" for pressure side 1.5" is plenty with eyeballs. Always a good idea to have 2 points of suction, with a small pool you would have to always worry about water level in skimmer. Wall mounted main drains are good for fiberglass pools. Seperate lines back to the pad. I'd add another return or two, I do four minimum regardless of size of pool
Click to expand...
I should have mentioned this pool has full width steps at both ends, I’m planning two returns on each set of steps. I can’t disagree with two skimmers but I’m trying to keep the flow up with 2” supply lines since I would have a fair amount of restriction with pumping vertically 14’ to the solar panels and the panels themselves. Is a 1.5 hp variable speed too much? Also the pool is only 5’ deep max and that is in the middle, it’s a sport pool sloping slowly from either end to a deep middle. A main drain on the bottom would only cause stubbed toes. I never thought about a side drain but am concerned about it getting stepped on as well. Thanks for the input mr Greek!
 
The flow will be fine, tons of solar up on the 2md floor of houses everywhere. I'm not saying to use 1.5" everywhere, use 2" for suction amd all pad piping amd solar. After your manifold you will then branch off to 1.5" returns. I would home run each line. Be aware they make both 1.5 amd 2" solar panels so if flow is a concern go 2" headers. And my advice is from experience, you want a 2nd suction port, even am equalizer at the minimum. Otherwise you must have an auto level for that pool. With the heat amd evaporation you could be sucking air in days without water added on a small pool
 
So tee right off the manifold to two 1.5 lines each serving their respective pair of jets at each steps end and 2 skimmers. Gotcha. I am looking at 2” headers for the solar panels. I’m not familiar with the equalizer, what’s that?
 
I would manifold all 2" Ts and go to jandy valves 2" on outside into T then 1.5 to inside of hub. Will serve as your reducer amd I would do all 4 separately. In any event of pipe failure you only lose that one line, 200 bucks extra material....cheap insurance policy

Equalizer is when you install a return jet below the skimmer amd plumb it into the second skimmer tap. If water lowers below skimmer opening the pump will pull from that hole and not burn up your pump from dry running. I dont install main drains on 95% of my pools but I do install dual wall drains alot. Have them in my own pool. Nobody bothers them with feet or anything.
 
Use gravel as a base and gravel for the backfill.

I'd skip the main drains for as you said with the stairs right there someone could easily step on the edge of the VGB covers and break it. Big hassle to fix, my pool builder said.

A second skimmer home run to the pump would be in order.

Maddie 🐞
 

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